[Analysis of clinical research features and outcome indexes of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in septic kidney injury].

This study aims to systematically review the clinical features and outcome indicators in randomized controlled trial(RCT) of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) intervention in septic kidney injury and provide a reference for optimizing clinical study design and building the core outcome set(COS) of TCM treatment of septic kidney injury. Computer searches were conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed to find published RCT of TCM intervention in septic kidney injury in the past five years, extract the basic characteristics, intervention measures, outcome indicators, and other data of included studies, and conduct descriptive analysis. 53 RCTs were included, and the sample size was mostly concentrated in 60-80 cases, with abdominal infection being the most common(15 articles, 83.3%) and the TCM syndrome of blood stasis being the most frequent(9 articles, 50.0%). The frequency of intervention methods from high to low were TCM decoction(28 articles, 52.8%), Chinese patent medicine(22 articles, 41.5%), and combined TCM therapy(3 articles, 7.5%); the intervention time of the trial was more than 7 d(34 articles, 69.4%). The risk of bias in included studies was unclear. A total of 84 outcome indicators were involved, which were divided into 9 fields, including 63 physical and chemical tests(305 times, 72.2%), 4 kinds of disease degree(48 times, 11.6%), 4 kinds of clinical effective rate(15 times, 3.6%), 1 kind of quality of life(1 time, 0.2%), 2 kinds of economic evaluation(14 times, 3.3%), 1 kind of TCM disease(9 times, 2.1%), 2 kinds of long-term prognosis(16 times, 3.8%), 2 kinds of safety events(6 times, 1.4%), and 5 other indicators(8 times, 0.7%). The cumulative frequency was 422 times, among which the outcome indicators with higher frequency were inflammatory factors(42 articles, 79.2%) and markers of renal function and kidney injury(40 articles, 75.5%). Only 1(1.9%) of the included articles mentioned primary and secondary outcome indicators, and 6 articles(11.3%) mentioned safety events, 13 articles(24.5%) mentioned economic assessment. The RCT quality of TCM intervention in septic renal injury was generally low, and the reference standards for sepsis, kidney injury, and TCM syndrome diagnosis were not uniform. There are some problems in outcome indicators, such as unclear distinction between primary and secondary indicators, neglect of endpoint indicators, lack of application of TCM characteristic indicators, and insufficient attention to safety events and economic assessment. It is suggested that the quality of clinical research methodology should be improved in the future, and the COS should be constructed to provide high-level evidence-based evidence for TCM intervention in septic kidney injury.

Why do we never have enough time? Economic inequality fuels the perception of time poverty by aggravating status anxiety.

People in many societies report that they do not have enough time. What makes people feel so rushed? We propose that economic inequality leads to perceived time poverty by increasing status anxiety. Five studies examined this line of reasoning. Study 1 (N = 230) found a positive correlation between economic inequality and perceived time poverty. Study 2 (N = 194) manipulated economic inequality to test the causal link between economic inequality and perceived time poverty. The results showed that people perceived more time poverty in the high (vs. low) economic inequality condition. Study 3 (N = 381) supported the mediating role of status anxiety in the relationship between economic inequality and perceived time poverty using a questionnaire survey. Study 4 (pre-registered; N = 283) manipulated economic inequality in an ecological valid way and yielded further support for the hypotheses. In pre-registered Study 5 (N = 233), a blockage manipulation design was employed to test the mediating effect of status anxiety as a function of economic inequality, which provided causal evidence for the proposed mediator. Our findings suggest that economic inequality serves as a structural societal factor that fuels people's perception of time poverty.

Analysis on spatial difference and spillover effect of development resilience index of sports industry: A case study of 285 cities in China.

The sustainable development of the sports industry has garnered extensive attention worldwide. In this study, after a rigorous explanation of the connotation of the sports industry development resilience coefficient (SIDRC), the Topsis model and exploratory spatial data analysis were comprehensively employed to evaluate and visualize the SIDRC of 285 cities in China. Additionally, a spatial econometric model was constructed to explore the influencing factors of SIDRC. The major conclusions drawn from this study are as follow: (1) While the SIDRC has improved significantly over the study period, it still remains overall at a low level of resilience with a widening gap between cities. (2) A strong spatial imbalance exists in the distribution of SIDRC, with coastal regions demonstrating greater resilience compared to the central and western regions, and provincial capital cities faring better than other cities. (3) Policy support index, economic development level, structural diversity of the sports industry, and social participation play crucial roles in promoting SIDRC. Finally, social participation has a positive impact on SIDRC in neighboring cities by facilitating resource sharing, market expansion, and extending the industrial chain. The paper concludes by offering recommendations such as increasing the construction of sports markets and public participation, which can optimize the layout of the sports industry and enhance industrial development resilience.

[Pathway and Policy for China's Provincial Carbon Emission Peak].

An effective way for China to achieve a carbon emission peak by 2030 is to encourage developed regions to take the lead in attaining carbon peaking at the regional level. Considering Jiangsu Province as an example, this study established a provincial low emissions analysis platform (LEAP-Jiangsu) model. It combined the improved multilevel logarithmic mean Divisia index (M-LMDI) model, Tapio decoupling model, and the synergistic effect of pollution and carbon reduction model to explore the key influencing factors of carbon emissions and carbon reduction paths. The improved M-LMDI model was used to analyze the factors influencing historical and future carbon emissions in Jiangsu Province. Based on the analysis results and planning objectives, a LEAP-Jiangsu model involving various development scenarios was established to predict the time and value of carbon emission peaks. The Tapio decoupling and synergistic effect models were used to clarify the relationship between carbon emissions and economic development, the synergistic effect of carbon, and air pollutant emission reduction. The prediction results demonstrated that the total primary energy demand of Jiangsu Province in 2035 was predicted to be approximately 401.2-474.6 Mt, and the final energy demand would be approximately 319.2-382.3 Mt. Jiangsu Province was most likely to achieve the goal of carbon peaking in 2025-2030, and the peak carbon emission was approximately 815.3-845.7 Mt. The contribution rates of energy conservation and emission reduction measures such as energy intensity reduction, industrial structure optimization, terminal electrification improvement, and energy structure adjustment were 33.1%, 26.8%, 21%, and 15.2%, respectively.

Time trend of global uterine cancer burden: an age-period-cohort analysis from 1990 to 2019 and predictions in a 25-year period.

BACKGROUND: Uterine cancer remains a serious medical problem worldwide. This study aimed to explore the global time trends of uterine cancer burden using the age-period-cohort model and forecast incidence to 2044. METHODS: Data were downloaded from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. The age-period-cohort model was used to estimate age, period and birth cohort effects. We also predict uterine cancer incidence to 2044. RESULTS: Globally, there were 435,041 incident cases (95% UI: 245,710 to 272,470) and 91,640 deaths of uterine cancer (95% UI: 39,910 to 44,140) in 2019. During the past 30 years, the age-standardized incidence and death rates increased by 15.3% and decreased by 21.6%, respectively. Between 1990 and 2019, the high-sociodemographic index region had the highest overall annual percentage changes. The age effect showed the uterine cancer incidence rate first increased and then decreased with age. The period and cohort relative rate ratio showed upward trends during the study period. Incident cases of uterine cancer may increase to more than six hundred thousand in 2044. CONCLUSION: Uterine cancer causes a high disease burden in high-income regions and the global incidence may continue to increase in the future. Improving awareness of risk factors and reducing the proportion of the obese population are necessary to reduce future burden.

Which cutoff value of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment should be used for post-stroke cognitive impairment? A systematic review and meta-analysis on diagnostic test accuracy.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is one of the serious complications of stroke. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), as a brief cognitive impairment screening tool, is widely used in stroke survivors. However, some studies have suggested that the use of the universal cutoff value of 26 may be inappropriate for detecting cognitive impairments in stroke settings. AIM: We conducted this study to identify the optimal cutoff value of the MoCA in screening for PSCI. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies until March 23, 2023. All studies were screened by two independent researchers. The quality of each article was evaluated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. A bivariate mixed-effects model was used to pool sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and the summary receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies with a total of 4231 patients were included in this review. Despite the lack of evidence of publication bias, a high degree of heterogeneity was observed. A meta-analysis revealed that a cutoff value of 21/22 yielded the best diagnostic accuracy. The optimal cutoff varied in different regions, stroke types, and stroke phases as well. CONCLUSION: The optimal cutoff of MoCA was 21/22 for stroke populations rather than the initially recommended cutoff of 26. A revised (lower) cutoff should be considered for stroke survivors.

Assessment on the binding characteristics of residual marbofloxacin in animal-derived food to bovine/human serum albumin by spectroscopy and molecular modelling.

To assess the toxicity of residual marbofloxacin from animal-derived food, the interaction characteristics of marbofloxacin to bovine/human serum albumins (BSA/HSA) were explored using spectroscopic methods combined with molecular modelling. According to fluorescence spectra and time-resolved fluorescence spectra measurements, quenching of BSA/HSA fluorescence induced by marbofloxacin was characterized as static quenching. A 1:1 ground-state complex of marbofloxacin to BSA/HSA was formed with binding constant (Ka ) 1.66 × 104 /9.74 × 103 M-1 at 291 K. The location of marbofloxacin binding at site I within BSA/HSA was clarified by site marker competitive experiments. Molecular modelling demonstrated that the binding region for marbofloxacin to BSA and HSA were at site I with the lowest binding free energies of -22.86 and -21.60 kJ mol-1 , respectively. Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces were dominantly involved in the spontaneous binding. Nonradiation energy transferred from BSA and HSA to marbofloxacin, due to the close distance (r0 ) between marbofloxacin and Trp residues of BSA (4.28 nm) and HSA (3.34 nm). As explained by circular dichroism (CD) spectra, an increased BSA/HSA α-helix structure was observed after binding to marbofloxacin. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra suggested that conformation of the two proteins was altered by marbofloxacin.

Chromatin accessibility and transcriptome landscapes of Monomorium pharaonis brain.

The emergence of social organization (eusociality) is a major event in insect evolution. Although previous studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying caste differentiation and social behavior of eusocial insects including ants and honeybees, the molecular circuits governing sociality in these insects remain obscure. In this study, we profiled the transcriptome and chromatin accessibility of brain tissues in three Monomorium pharaonis ant castes: queens (including mature and un-mated queens), males and workers. We provide a comprehensive dataset including 16 RNA-sequencing and 16 assay for transposase accessible chromatin (ATAC)-sequencing profiles. We also demonstrate strong reproducibility of the datasets and have identified specific genes and open chromatin regions in the genome that may be associated with the social function of these castes. Our data will be a valuable resource for further studies of insect behaviour, particularly the role of brain in the control of eusociality.

[Evaluation of Organic Matter Release and Economy for Various Pretreatments of Sewage Sludge].

Mechanical, chemical, and biological methods are always used to pretreat sewage sludge. To determine which pretreatment can release more organic matter from sewage sludge, and therefore, make it more economical, mechanical pretreatment (ultrasonic treatment at 20 kHz), chemical pretreatment (pH 10), and biological pretreatment (anaerobic conditions at 70℃) were compared. Results showed that all three pretreatments increased the organic matter release of sewage sludge; the initial total soluble protein and carbohydrate concentration of which was only 418.9 mg·L-1 (cal. as COD) and the DNA content was 18.1 mg·L-1. However, the pH 10 and anaerobic (70℃) pretreatments resulted in a greater organic release than the ultrasonic (20 kHz) pretreatment, with total soluble protein and carbohydrate concentrations of 7516.0 mg·L-1 and 7892.5 mg·L-1, and DNA contents of 1343.3 mg·L-1 and 1766.1 mg·L-1, respectively. Flow cytometry was adopted to assess cell morphology. The cell mortality rates of sludge after pretreatment accounted for 61.6%, 59.9%, and 34.5% respectively, which was improved by 45.6% (at pH 10), 43.9% (under anaerobic conditions at 70℃), and 18.5% (with ultrasonic pretreatment at 20 kHz) compared with raw sewage sludge. At the same time, organic matter removal ratios of sludge after pretreatment were 19.1% (at pH 10), 13.8% (under anaerobic conditions at 70℃), and 7.6% (with ultrasonic pretreatment at 20 kHz). Moreover, the pretreatment of per liter sludge at pH 10 saved 28.5% and 124.1% more than ultrasonic pretreatment (20 kHz) and anaerobic (70℃) pretreatment. Taking both organic matter release and economic analysis into consideration, the chemical method of pretreatment (at pH 10) was identified as the best option.

Simultaneous quantitative assessment of nine glycosides in tobacco by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A simple and efficient method combining ultrasound-assisted extraction, the conditions of which were optimized by response surface methodology, with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry was established and validated for the absolute quantification of nine non-volatile neutral glycosides originating from tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum L.) leaves, comprising three phenolic glycosides, one benzanoid glycoside, and five sesquiterpene glycosides within three isomers, originating from tobacco leaves. Factors of extraction time, sample quantity, extraction solvent, liquid chromatographic conditions, and electrospray ionization parameters were carefully investigated to ensure the selectivity and sensitivity of the method. All calibration curves showed excellent coefficients of determination ranging from 0.9940 to 0.9996, within the range of tested concentrations. The limits of detection and quantification were 2.33-25.9 and 7.06-78.5 ng/mL, respectively. Satisfactory values of accuracy were between 80.1 to 107.9% among different sample matrixes. The relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day analysis were less than 13.7 and 13.0% respectively. The developed method was successfully applied in a pilot study to determine the amounts of the nine endogenous glycosides in real flue-cured tobacco samples obtained from different habitats in China.

[Ozone Deposition and Risk Assessment for a Winter Wheat Field:Partitioning Between Stomatal and Non-stomatal Pathways].

To better understand the ozone deposition and risk assessment over agroecosystems based on the ozone flux indices, an eddy-covariance system was used for measuring the ozone deposition continuously and dynamically in a winter wheat field. We analyzed the variations in ozone concentration, total ozone flux, and stomatal and non-stomatal flux. The relationships between stomatal/non-stomatal ozone deposition velocity and the main meteorological factors were investigated. Finally, the yield losses of winter wheat based on the ozone-dose index (AOT40) and ozone flux index (DFs06) were calculated. Results showed that average daily ozone concentration (cO3) was 32.9 nL·L-1. The daytime (08:00-18:00) and nighttime total ozone flux (FO3) were -7.6 nmol·(m2·s)-1 and -3.1 nmol·(m2·s)-1, respectively, and the mean diurnal FO3 was -5.1 nmol·(m2·s)-1. The mean daily stomatal ozone flux (Fs) and non-stomatal ozone flux (Fns) ranged from 0 to -5.1 nmol·(m2·s)-1 and from -1.43 to -10.31 nmol·(m2·s)-1, respectively. The mean diurnal Fs and Fns were -1.43 nmol·(m2·s)-1 and -3.66 nmol·(m2·s)-1. High solar radiation (SR), high temperature (T), and moderate humidity were used to analyze stomatal ozone deposition; high SR, moderate T, and high humidity were suitable to analyze non-stomatal ozone deposition. The cumulative total ozone flux (DFO3), cumulative stomatal ozone flux (DFs), and cumulative non-stomatal ozone flux (DFns) were 31.58, 9.99, and 21.59 mmol·m-2 during the entire experimental period, and DFs and DFns accounted for 32% and 68% of DFO3. The ranges of yield loss in winter wheat were estimated at 11.58%-20.37% and 20%-23.56% using different assessment models based on the ozone dose index AOT40 and ozone flux index DFs06, respectively.

Quantitative assessment of the association between CYP1A1 A4889G polymorphism and endometrial cancer risk.

Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) A4889G polymorphism was supposed to be associated with endometrial cancer risk, but previous studies reported conflicting results. We therefore performed a meta-analysis of all relevant studies to get a comprehensive assessment of the association between CYP1A1 A4889G polymorphism and endometrial cancer risk. The pooled odds ratios (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated to assess the association. Finally, ten studies with a total of 1,682 endometrial cancer cases and 2,510 controls were finally included into the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of the total ten studies showed that CYP1A1 A4889G polymorphism was not associated with endometrial cancer risk (ORG versus A = 1.14, 95% CI 0.83-1.57, P OR = 0.417; ORGG versus AA = 1.23, 95% CI 0.70-2.18, P OR = 0.470; ORGG versus AA/AG = 1.03, 95% CI 0.59-1.81, P OR = 0.919; ORGG/AG versus AA = 1.22, 95% CI 0.82-1.81, P OR = 0.336). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity further showed that there was also no obvious association between CYP1A1 A4889G polymorphism and endometrial cancer risk in both Caucasians and Asians. Sensitivity analysis by excluding single study in turns showed that the pooled estimations were not stable. Therefore, evidence for currently available data suggests that CYP1A1 A4889G polymorphism is not associated with endometrial cancer risk. However, more studies with large number of participants are needed to further assess the association precisely.